PUBLISHED August 6th, 2024 06:00 am | UPDATED August 27th, 2024 06:53 pm
Walk into any mall or down any street in Singapore and you’ll likely find a place for pizza or pasta – the culprits that led to “Italian restaurants” being a dime a dozen in our sunny isle. So how do you identify the authentic nosh from the bootleg bites? If you’re looking to get a taste of Italy in sunny town, here are the best authentic Italian restaurants in Singapore that we’ve sussed out from the ordinary fare.
Art di Daniele Sperindio
No cap, the world’s best Italian restaurant can be found in this little red dot. Perched on the top floor of the National Gallery of Singapore, it’s none other than Art di Daniele Sperindio. Crowned Ristorante dell’Anno (Restaurant of the year 2024) by Gambero Rosse, the leading media in Italian cuisine, the one Michelin star restaurant is lauded for its innovative techniques, meticulous attention to detail, and using only top-quality Italian ingredients in its menu. The Degustation Menu (S$288++ per person) is your best bet to experience the breadth of dishes, otherwise, the lunch or dinner set meals (from S$148++ per person) which features Chef Sperindio’s 32 egg yolk taglierini and the classic Linguarian Cappon Magro. Bonus, it has a great view overlooking the Padang and Marina South Bay!
Art di Daniele Sperindio is located at 1 St Andrew’s Road, 06-02 National Gallery, Singapore 178957, p.+65 9866 1796. Open Tue -Sun 12 pm -2pm & 6pm – 10pm. Closed on Mon.
Da Paolo Dempsey Italian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Nestled in the verdant enclave of Dempsey Hill, Da Paolo Dempsey Restaurant & Bar features a unique blend of restaurant, cocktail bar, and retail haven. Curated to fit modern-day lifestyles, it offers elevated Italian staples. Enjoy a hearty menu crafted by Group Executive Chef Andrea Scarpa, featuring wood-fired Naples-style pizzas and rich pasta dishes, complemented by a curated selection of wines and Italian-inspired cocktails. Some crowd-favourites include the Spicy Italian Shakshuka ($29) accompanied by house-made sourdough, Tagliatelle al Granchio ($38) tossed with crabmeat, signature Italian tomato sauce, cream and Parmigiano Reggiano, and the decadent 8 Cheeses & Dark Chocolate pizza ($38).
For those who wish to recreate these delectable moments at home, the retail section offers artisan Italian gourmet products, while the artisanal gelato counter tempts with house-churned flavours. With a warm, energetic atmosphere and effusive hospitality, this multi-concept adorned with Sicilian lemons, an upside-down olive tree, and rustic Italian charm, transports guests to the spirited summers of Italy.
Da Paolo Dempsey Restaurant & Bar is located at 8 Dempsey Road, #01-13, Singapore 247696, p. +65 6261 3128. Open Sun-Thu 8am-11.30pm, Fri & Sat 8am-12am.
Thirty9
In the heart of Duxton Hill, Thirty9 offers guests a taste of Italy with its rustic charm and inviting ambiance. The menu, curated by Head Chef Erik Trozza, merges traditional Italian flavours with unique twists, ensuring a delightful dining experience. From the coastal-inspired Pizza Genovese (S$30) to the rich Homemade Ravioli Del Plin (S$32) and the innovative Whole Red Snapper Casserole (S$68) wrapped in pizza dough, each dish is a celebration of Italy’s gastronomic heritage. Desserts like the Trio Thirty9, a decadent assortment of Millefoglie with lemon custard (S$16), Tiramisù (S$16), and home-baked Cannoli Siciliani (S$16) conclude the meal on a high note.
Thirty9 is located at 39 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089617, p. +65 6717 3939. Open Mon-Sat 12pm-2.30pm & 6pm-11pm. Closed on Sun.
Casa Vostra
After a successful pop-up at Ann Siang Road, Casa Vostra finds its permanent home at Raffles City. Chef-owner Antonio Miscellaneo keeps it casual and affordable by preparing everything in-house, from making pasta and pizza dough to curing the meats for salami. The home-style Italian fare is made on the spot and is free from preservatives and artificial additives. Dig into Newpolitan® pizzas – Chef’s trademarked technique with fermented dough – featuring flavours like Gamberi (S$28++) which spotlights sweet Argentinian prawns and 4 Formaggi (S$22++), a must-have for cheese lovers. Pasta selections run the gamut from Crab Tagliatelle (S$26++), to Ravioli and Agnolotti del Plin (S$23++) – pasta filled with pork stew.
Casa Vostra is located at 252 North Bridge Road, #01-49/50/51, Singapore 179103, p+65 9780 5362. Open daily 11am -10pm.
Sospiri
Rooftop bar and swanky restaurant, Sospiri, serves up authentic Southern Italian cuisine, alongside cocktails and Italian bar bites, against the stunning backdrop of Marina Bay. Dine in the conviviality of a lavish holiday home, feasting on sharing plates of antipasti like the Battuta Di Tonno (S$24++), a Blue Fin Tuna Tartare with Salmoriglio sauce and Pantelleria Capers, and handmade pastas like Fettuccine con la ‘Nduja (S$30++), with Spicy Pork ‘Nduja and Caciocavallo Silano Cheese. Indulge in coastal flavours with grilled Swordfish Belly in Ventresca alla Ghiotta (S$36++) or feast on the hearty Abbacchio alla Griglia (S$38++) with perfectly grilled Lamb T-Bone Chops. Weekday lunch sets start from S$38++, while weekend Brunch runs S$58++, a minimum of four to dine.
Sospiri is located at 2 Central Boulevard, #07-02 IOI Central Boulevard Towers, Singapore 018916, p.+65 9478 0906. Open Mon – Fri 11.30 am – 2.30 pm & 6 pm – 12 am, Sat – Sun 11.30 am – 3 pm & 6 pm – 12 am.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
You might remember L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele from “Eat, Pray, Love” and now you’ll get to have a taste of Italy right here in Singapore, its first Southeast Asian outpost. Since its opening in May this year, the pizza joint has seen throngs of people chowing down on its classic 15″ Margherita (S$28++) and Marinara (S$22++) pizzas. Made from a cherished family recipe that focuses on simple and fresh ingredients, the pizzas are incredibly light and delicious. Cheese lovers will relish the medley in 4 Cheese (S$35++), featuring Agerola Fior di latte, Gorgonzola dolce, pecorino romano DOP, and smoked provola.
L’Antica Da Michele is located at 8 Club St, #01-08 of Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, Singapore 069472, p.+65 9823 5724. Open Mon – Sat 12pm -3pm, 6pm -11pm. Closed Sun.
Kucina Italian Restaurant
Taking social media by storm, Kucina Italian Restaurant is Singapore’s first MUIS halal-certified Italian restaurant. As an Italian-Muslim convert, Chef Gero Omar is dedicated to bringing quality halal Italian cuisine using traditional methods and authentic ingredients; he even shares them online so you can try them at home! Its open-kitchen concept means you can watch the chefs fire up appetisers like Gamberoni Al Forno (S$18.90++) and pasta like the Risotto Di Amalfi (S$28.90++), where carnaroli risotto is infused with shellfish broth and topped with Buchot mussels, clams, and scallops. Reach for hearty mains like the Filetto (S$54.90++), which sees 180g of beef tenderloin served on a bed of potato espuma, portobello mushroom, and garlic spinach, or slurp up Cioppino (S$32.90++) their signature Fisherman stew.
Kucina Italian Restaurant is located at 11 Tanjong Katong Rd, #B1-09/10, KINEX, Singapore 437157, p.+65 6493 2154. Open daily 12pm -10pm.
Bar Cicheti
Dedicated to the marriage of pasta and wine, Bar Cicheti’s concept of refined pasta dishes is done to perfection. Marvel at the Gnocchetti Sardi (S$23/S$34), where velvety pecorino harmonise seamlessly with pork sausage, fennel, onion, garlic, chili flakes, and oregano. Their Tagliolini (S$24/S$36) is also delightfully loaded with blue swimmer crab, red chili, confit garlic, and a tinge of tangy lemon, colatura, and clam broth to balance it all out. Wine offerings here range from the classics to biodynamic and organic labels, with their Sommakase (S$45) option to have 3 different wines throughout your meal.
Bar Cicheti is located at 10 Jiak Chuan Road Singapore 089264, p. +65 6789 9801. Open Sun – Thu 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm, Fri – Sat 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm.
Osteria Mozza
Coming from the hands of celebrated Chef Nancy Silverton, Osteria Mozza is one not to be missed. Lucky for us, the only Asian outpost is conveniently located at Hilton Singapore Orchard, where we can immerse in an array of Cal-Italian dishes, including Singapore-exclusive ones. Feast on all-time favourites like Burrata di Puglia (S$68++) and the Italian “nude” pasta Gnudi (S$30++) with mixed mushrooms and spinach. Don’t miss their selection of wood-fired pizzas like Fennel Sausage (S$40++) or Aglio Olio (S$40++).
Osteria Mozza is located at Level 5, Hilton Singapore Orchard, 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867, p. +65 6831 6271. Open daily 12pm-2.30pm, 5pm-10.30pm.
Fico
Fico — meaning fig in Italian — in East Coast Park offers a convivial atmosphere with a live pasta counter, cozy banquettes, and a sea-view terrace. Inspired from chef-partner Mirko Febbrile’s Pugliese heritage, the menu features signature dishes like the Focaccina and fresh pastas, along with grilled meats and delectable desserts. All dishes are created in the spirit of cucina povera, a no-waste philosophy that stretches creative limits without sacrificing flavour and fun. Enjoy a wide range of beverages, including Pugliese wines and cocktails. Additionally, there’s also a takeaway kiosk offering a curated Rent-A-Picnic bundle, complete with picnic baskets and mats.
Fico is located at 1300 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 468964, p. +65 8121 7208. Open Mon – Wed 5.30pm-10.30pm, Thu – Fri 11.30am-3pm, 5.30-10.30pm, Sat – Sun 11.30am -10.30pm.
Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen
Paying homage to the Italian tradition of a summer outdoor grill, Griglia’s customised open fire charcoal grill recreates the experience with air conditioning. The refreshed menu curated by Napoli-native Executive Chef Andrea De Paola sports a delightful array of grilled meats, fish, and vegetables, supplemented by salads and pastas. Personally, we’re big fans of the crisp house-made Toasted Rustic Bread served with sweet Piennolo Tomato sauce from Naples, and a side of olive oil, as well as the Eggplant dish bringing together Roma tomatoes and Ligurian basil in layers atop a smoked Caciocavallo fondue. For heartier options, you can’t go wrong with the Grilled Bone Marrow with a layer of parmesan, or the charred but delicate Whole Mediterranean Seabass. Now they’ve another outlet in Katong too!
Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen is located at 37 Craig Road, 01-01, Singapore 089675, p. +65 8949 7011. Open Tue-Thu & Sun 12pm – 3pm & 6pm–10.30pm. Fri- Sat 12pm – 3pm & 6pm–11pm. Closed on Mon. Griglia Katong is located at 139 East Coast Rd, #01-01, Singapore 428829, p.+65 8949 1101. Open Wed – Sun 12–3 pm, 5.45–11 pm, Tue 5.45pm -11pm. Closed Mon.
Fiamma
Fiamma, meaning flame in Italian, honours the heritage and spirit of Italian family -style cuisine. When visiting the restaurant, expect an uncomplicated yet purposefully designed dining experience grounded in traditional Italian culinary techniques including open flame cooking. Some highlights include the Trofie Al Pesto (S$36++) with Calamari, garlic cream, basil, olive, sun-dried tomato, as well as the Diavola Pizza (S$30++) with Tomato, salame picante, mozzarella Fior di Latte, pecorino, basil. They also have Sunday Brunch (from S$145 per pax) with aperitivo, antipasti, pasta, pizza, formaggio, gelato and more!
Fiamma is located at Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297,p. +65 6591 5046. Open daily 7am -10.30pm.
Caffe Fernet
Known for scrumptious pasta and its strategic spot offering sweeping views of the Marina Bay Sands, Caffe Fernet has won the hearts of many. Besides its heavenly dining spreads, the restaurant’s Pasta Lunch Set, available on Thursdays and Fridays runs at just S$40++. Diners can opt for a two course set with a starter and pasta, or a three-course meal including dessert at S$46++. Some of our favourites include Melon & Parma Ham, Burrata, Caffe Fernet’s iconic Mafaldine Cacio e Pepe, or Lumache Spicy Vodka. Top up S$15++ for the hearty Beef Tagliatelle, featuring wagyu ribeye and shimeji mushrooms. For dessert, the comforting Orange Olive Oil Cake accompanied by golden raisins and mascarpone cream takes the cake!
Caffe Fernet is located at Customs House, #01-05, 70 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049323, p. +65 9178 1105. Open Mon-Wed 5pm-11pm, Thu-Sun 12pm-11pm. The Pasta Lunch Set is available on Thu & Fri, 12pm-2.30pm.
Pasta Bar
Pasta is the name of the game at this restaurant. Handmade daily, different types of pastas are fine-tuned to the specificity of each dish it is cooked for. From the more common Tagliatelle (S$38) with slow-cooked beef cheek, and Lobster Linguine (S$58), to home recipes like Garganelli alla Norma (S$32) and Truffle Fettuccini (S$46), it’s easy to be spoilt for choice. Wrap up your meal with the Torta Della Nonna (S$16), a traditional Tuscan tart, with custard, pine nuts, and lemon. The outdoor garden also makes for a wonderful evening alfresco dining experience.
Pasta Bar is located at 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-05, Singapore 089158, p. +65 6222 0637. Open Mon-Tue 6pm-11pm, Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm.
Top Image: Casa Vostra